Interventions for Video Game Addiction in Columbia, SC—Therapy and Counseling

Liam’s parents are concerned. A year ago, he would come home from school, do his homework, and then race off on his bike to meet friends. They know it has been a tough year for Liam, moving from elementary school to middle school. They thought he would adjust by now, but he has not. Liam plays video games all afternoon and into the evening. He is not doing his homework, and Liam’s English teacher called to say he has fallen asleep in class twice this week. Liam’s parents are not sure how to help him, and they are concerned that he has a video game addiction.

Mental health professionals are studying what people commonly call video game addiction. While there is much more to learn, many things are clear: a significant amount of people struggle to regulate their video game play. The signs and symptoms they display with their gaming is similar to other impulse control addictions like gambling.

Just as there are support groups and therapies for addictions, interventions are being developed to help people who struggle with gaming. Twelve-steps programs such as Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous and Online Gamers Anonymous are based upon Alcoholic Anonymous. Counseling practices are also seeing more and more clients, helping them develop the skills to control their gaming habits.

Thriveworks Columbia sees many clients who know that video games are taking over their lives. Our therapists have guided them to take back control from gaming.

Video Game Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

When people talk about video game addiction, they are often speaking of the official diagnosis of internet gaming disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives signs and symptoms for internet gaming disorder, but it also calls for more study officially calling it an addiction.

The following list outlines the DSM-5’s diagnostics for internet gaming disorder. In each sign, there is a common theme: control. The main question is whether people can control their video game use or whether video game play control their lives. How can people know the difference? If they display the following behaviors, they may have lost control of their gaming. They may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder:

Trying to curb use or quit playing but being unable to sustain control.

Relational – When people lie about their video game use or choose time gaming over time with loved ones, they can cause great relational harm to their friends and family.

Emotional – If a person numbs difficult emotions with video games, these emotions are not resolved. Instead, they may grow worse the longer they are unaddressed.

Internet Gaming Disorder Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

As you read through the symptoms and signs of internet gaming disorder, did you recognize any? Maybe you are struggling. Maybe your child is. Men, women, boys, and girls can struggle with their impulse control regarding video games. It affects the lives of many people, but many people are also finding support and help from mental health professionals. You are not alone.

If you are ready to talk with a counselor, our professionals are ready to listen. We work with teens and adults. Our office has done what we can to make scheduling an appointment as easy as possible.

When you call our office, you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. Many new clients have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Let’s work together to take back control of your or your child’s video game habits. Call Thriveworks Columbia today.

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Patrick is a STAR

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I was ready to give up hope of ever healing from PTSD when I found Thriveworks. Patrick’s approach using CPT...Read more

worked when traditional counseling by several other therapists had failed. I really was beginning to believe PTSD was just something I’d have to learn to live with, but Patrick taught me how to work through my issues using the worksheets on my own. As a military spouse, my time with Patrick had a deadline as my husband’s service time at Fort Jackson came to a close. Patrick ensured that I took with me the tools to continue working through my issues long after leaving his office. I can’t thank him enough for changing my inner voice, and giving me the power to stop negative thoughts and process them in a healthy way. Patrick changed my life and after struggling for all of my adult life, I finally have the confidence to live without shame and understand my value. He has a deep understanding of the unique struggles military couples face, and worked tirelessly with my husband and me. Thank you, and Patrick, for teaching me how to save myself and my marriage.

Be your on critic

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I've been in and out of therapy and hospitals over the past couple of years. I have had bouts of depression a...Read more

nd a lot of trauma that I have had to work through. I also have a pattern of running away and getting mad when I'm challenged or things don't go my way, but this time I didn't run and haven't ran.
Dr. Pena was very encouraging, down to earth, caring, and helpful which was a blessing.
But warning to all, she is a busy lady and sometimes getting an apt can be tricky. But she will make time and do what she can to see you. My advice is get in and keep your apps, because there is a reason she is busy, but never too busy to return a text or come in when she didn't have to. Thank you because that little bit of care and time actually meant more to me than anyone can imagine.

Highly Recommend

Patrick is great! He challenges you, but in a constructive manner. Scheduling with Thriveworks is amazing!

- T.M

Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Patrick is a STAR

★★★★★

I was ready to give up hope of ever healing from PTSD when I found Thriveworks. Patrick’s approach using CPT...Read more

worked when traditional counseling by several other therapists had failed. I really was beginning to believe PTSD was just something I’d have to learn to live with, but Patrick taught me how to work through my issues using the worksheets on my own. As a military spouse, my time with Patrick had a deadline as my husband’s service time at Fort Jackson came to a close. Patrick ensured that I took with me the tools to continue working through my issues long after leaving his office. I can’t thank him enough for changing my inner voice, and giving me the power to stop negative thoughts and process them in a healthy way. Patrick changed my life and after struggling for all of my adult life, I finally have the confidence to live without shame and understand my value. He has a deep understanding of the unique struggles military couples face, and worked tirelessly with my husband and me. Thank you, and Patrick, for teaching me how to save myself and my marriage.

Be your on critic

★★★★★

I've been in and out of therapy and hospitals over the past couple of years. I have had bouts of depression a...Read more

nd a lot of trauma that I have had to work through. I also have a pattern of running away and getting mad when I'm challenged or things don't go my way, but this time I didn't run and haven't ran.
Dr. Pena was very encouraging, down to earth, caring, and helpful which was a blessing.
But warning to all, she is a busy lady and sometimes getting an apt can be tricky. But she will make time and do what she can to see you. My advice is get in and keep your apps, because there is a reason she is busy, but never too busy to return a text or come in when she didn't have to. Thank you because that little bit of care and time actually meant more to me than anyone can imagine.

Highly Recommend

Patrick is great! He challenges you, but in a constructive manner. Scheduling with Thriveworks is amazing!

- T.M

Thriveworks Counseling Columbia

Best money ever spent

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This place is amazing and what therapy is about. Dr. Pena, Patrick, James, Rachell, it really doesn't matter w...Read more

ho you are going to see you will be cared for. Accountability and commitment to helping you move forward with whatever issues you face is where they shine. They listen, they care, they help you set small goals and they help give you the tools you need succeed with your goal. Couldn't ask for a better set up and a great location!

the Oasis amongst my chaos

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Deceived into moving to this city, I sought marriage counseling and tried three separate counselors and an add...Read more

itional counselor after I was abandoned. Not only did those other counselors not listen properly to be able to understand the dynamics of my situation, they didn't have the proper experience to recognize the complexity of the symptoms I was displaying, nor could they fully understand what I was going through. How can someone help us if they don't understand? They can't. Nor can we teach our children to tie their shoes if we don't know how to tie shoes ourselves. Even though I knew the name of the abuse I was subjected to, I was emotionally dismissed by other counselors throughout the city. Once I found Dr. Pena and read through all her credentials, her experience, her specialties, her background and experience with the Military, I thought she sounded too good to be true. With the complexities of what my family has been through, I finally found some hope again. Dr. Pena is highly intelligent, compassionate, patient, quick witted and humorous. She also pulls no punches, which is what we need sometimes. I only wish I would have found her sooner so I didn't have to go through the hell I've been through alone, without her proper guidance. I am eager to continue learning the coping strategies she's teaching me and to continue to heal and grow as an individual and as a parent. Until my journey is complete and my heart and soul are healed, Dr. Pena shall remain the Oasis amongst my chaos.

will never leave thriveworks!!

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Absolutely love and the staff! They genuinely care about me and my family! We are not an instance claim.or a c...Read more

ase number, we are individuals and treated as such! I would never recommend another theraputical office to anyone else.! I wish I could give 10 stars because they deserve it!!!! HIGHLY recommend to anyone seeking services!